Goodies from my mailbox and camera…

Month: November 2012

I participated in a “Words of Inspiration” Postcard Swap last month. The swap was hosted by Kara, of I Wanna Be Me When I Grow Up blog. For this swap, swappers added a quote to a “work of art”–a photograph, a mixed media piece, etc.–and sent their creations to five other swappers. I enjoy integrating words into photos and I have put together many, many “photo inspirations.” For this swap I sent one that features two of my favorite things–music and Paddington Bear.

“The Musician”

The photo features “The Musician” from the Royal Doulton’s The Paddington Bear Collection. A very dear aunt (-in-law) sent four of the PB figurines from this collection to me from England several years ago. I cannot be any clearer than Martin Luther regarding my sentiments about music.

Imagine my glee when day after day I retrieved delightful postcards from my mailbox featuring the work of the individuals who sent them. I had the postcards sent to my campus box, so the postcards were a special treat in the middle of a few workdays. Here are the five postcards I received.

“Advice”

This postcard was made by Shari of Albuquerque, New Mexico. I like the color combination and the way Shari uses paint and book pages to “create” texture.

Lisa’s “Sea Jellies”

Lisa, lschwing on Instagram, took this beautiful sea jellies photo at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. She writes on the postcard, “Life is full of amazing beauty! It’s important to take time to enjoy it!” Sea jellies are mesmerizing in their beauty, so Lisa chose a perfect subject to underscore her point.

“Every Leaf is a Flower”

Deborah of Ohio sent this postcard which features her own artwork–watercolor paper with airbrush ink, stitched by machine. Deborah shares Albert Camus’ quote–“Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower.”

“Art washes from the soul the dust of every day life”–Pablo Picasso

Kara, our swap host, created this one. I’m intrigued by how people like Kara can use a few simple art tools and techniques to create such interesting pieces. This one, along with Shari’s, is going in my favorite handmade postcards collection.

Last, but not least, Jo’s postcard traveled all the way from Christchurch, New Zealand. Jo is attracted to rusty old houses “that are falling down.” For her they are full of mystery.

“Rusty Old House”

Jo loves the many textures and colors in this lovely scene. I do too. Oh, don’t miss the tiny heart in the window or the good advice–Be in love with your life!

All of this inspirational art has me craving for a bit of creativity, so I must take some time over the Thanksgiving Break (yay!) to craft something meaningful.

I could not store this super cute teddy bear postcard without sharing it. Postcrosser Gabi from Germany sent this one. The postcard features a German proverb that translates “Wait and drink tea.” According to Gabi this means “wait and see.” Good advice for those of us who are quick to judge or who want to rush in and fix every difficult situation and person we run across. Sometimes, it’s necessary to preserve our sanity and take our time–or “wait and see”–how things will play out. “Wait and drink tea” makes perfect sense to me! A piping hot cup of tea usually gives me peace over a matter, slows me down and sheds light on or lends clarity to certain things for me. In fact, I think I’ll have a cup now…

It’s been about two weeks since I last posted. I’ve been tied up doing “real” work and resting my brain and preparing it to do more “real” work. I’ve received loads of great mail over the last two weeks, so I’ll have to take a few moments this week to “catch up.”

This brief post is prompted by two postcards I received last week that show happy people (and characters) happy about mail.

I absolutely adore all the postcards I receive that reference snail mail. They remind us how important it is to receive something cheerful in the mail every now and then. So pick up your pen and write a letter or send a postcard for a change. Don’t fret over what to write. Just a simple “I’m thinking about you” or a favorite quote will work. Your friends and family will be elated to receive something personal and fun in their mailboxes mixed in with all the bills and junk.

Let these inspire you!

“Bunny Mail,” from Postcrosser Olga in Belarus

“Be the Most,” from Postcrosser Lina in Lithuania

“Snail Mail,” from Suzy’s Zoo. This is an older one–from a swap-bot who forgot to sign her name.

“Happy Mail Day.” I received this one earlier this year from Postcrosser Marjo of Finland. Can you “see” the joy mail delivers?